U.S. patent number 6,126,300 [Application Number 09/221,506] was granted by the patent office on 2000-10-03 for multi-state shippable lampshade.
Invention is credited to Dominic Lee.
United States Patent |
6,126,300 |
Lee |
October 3, 2000 |
Multi-state shippable lampshade
Abstract
A protective, reversibly convertible lampshade. A first rigid
frusto-conical section is adapted to receive a bulb socket. A
second intermediate section is coupled to the first section and has
a generally frustumated cone shape with the narrower end coupled to
the broader end of the first frusto-conical section. The second
section has a series of radially oriented slits for providing
flexible movement of the second section relative to the first
section. A third, frusto-conical section, the narrower end of the
third frusto-conical section is coupled to the wider end of the
second frusto-conical section. The third frusto-conical section is
formed of a rigid material. Application of force to the first and
second sections acts to cause the intermediate section to bend and
fold relative to the first and third sections so that the volume of
the lampshade is reduced in a reversible fashion.
Inventors: |
Lee; Dominic (Kowloon, Hong
Kong, HK) |
Family
ID: |
22085676 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/221,506 |
Filed: |
December 28, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/352; 362/294;
362/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
1/14 (20130101); F21V 17/007 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
1/00 (20060101); F21V 1/06 (20060101); F21V
001/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;362/352,356,294,345,448 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Husar; Stephen
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Aufrichtig Stein & Aufrichtig,
P.C. Aufrichtig; Peter D.
Parent Case Text
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/068,938 filed Dec. 29, 1997.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A protective, reversibly convertible lampshade, comprising:
first rigid frusto-conical section adapted to receive a bulb
socket;
a second intermediate section coupled to the first section having
generally the shape of a frustumated cone with the narrower end
coupled to the broader end of the first frusto-conical section, the
second section having a series of radially oriented slits for
providing flexible movement of the second section relative to the
first section; and
a third frusto-conical section, the narrower end of the third
frusto-conical section being coupled to the wider end of the second
frusto-conical section, the third frusto-conical section being
formed of a rigid material; whereby application of force to the
first and second sections acts to cause the intermediate section to
bend and fold relative to the first and third sections so that the
volume of the lampshade is reduced in a reversible fashion.
2. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the radially oriented slits include slits of a first length
and of a second length.
3. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 2
wherein the slits of the first length are greater in length than
the slits of the second length.
4. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 3
wherein there are an equal number of slits of the first length and
slits of the second length.
5. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 3
wherein the slits of the first length and slits of the second
length alternate around the second intermediate section.
6. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 5
wherein a pair of slits of the first length and a slit of the
second length between the pair of slits of the first length form a
V-shaped section adapted to fold inwardly into the interior of the
space occupied by the second intermediate section prior to
folding.
7. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the first, second and third sections are integrally
formed.
8. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 7
wherein the first, second and third sections are formed of a single
material.
9. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the first section includes coupling members for receiving a
socket assembly.
10. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the lampshade includes a socket assembly coupled to the
first section.
11. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the first section includes at least one heat sinking vent
for venting the heat of a light bulb placed in the lampshade.
12. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 11
wherein there are at least two heat seeking vents arranged radially
about the first section.
13. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 1
wherein the first section is a frusto-conical section with the
larger end coupled to the second section and the smaller end is a
free end adapted to receive the lamp socket including an opening
through which the lamp socket can extend.
14. The protective, reversibly convertible lampshade of claim 5
wherein a pair of slits of the first length and a slit of the
second length between the pair of slits of the first length form a
V-shaped section adapted to fold inwardly into the interior of the
space occupied by the second intermediate section prior to
folding.
15. A protective lamp, comprising:
a reversibly convertible lampshade including a first rigid
frusto-conical section adapted to receive a bulb socket; a second
intermediate section coupled to the first section having generally
the shape of a frustumated cone with the narrower end coupled to
the broader end of the first frusto-conical section, the second
section having a series of radially oriented slits for providing
flexible movement of the second section relative to the first
section; and a third frusto-conical section, the narrower end of
the third frusto-conical section being coupled to the wider end of
the second frusto-conical section, the third frusto-conical section
being formed of a rigid material; whereby application of force to
the first and second sections acts to cause the intermediate
section to bend and fold relative to the first and third sections
so that the volume of the lampshade is reduced in a reversible
fashion; and
socket means for receiving a bulb, coupled to the first section of
the lampshade.
16. The lamp of claim 15 wherein the socket means includes a power
cord for providing energy to a bulb placed in the socket means and
a switch for turning the bulb on and off.
17. The lamp of claim 16 wherein the radially oriented slits
include slits of a first length and of a second length.
18. The lamp of claim 17 wherein the slits of the first length are
greater in length than the slits of the second length.
19. The lamp of claim 18 wherein there are an equal number of slits
of the first length and slits of the second length.
20. The lamp of claim 17 wherein the slits of the first length and
slits of the second length alternate around the second intermediate
section.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention is generally directed to a multi-state shippable
lampshade and in particular to a multi-state shippable lampshade
which is reversibly compressible from an enlarged operational
configuration to a compacted, conveniently shippable, reduced
volume configuration.
In the past there have been many different types of lampshades
which are formed of rigid materials which have created problems in
shipping and packaging. Generally, the rigid lampshade materials
have been susceptible to damage unless the lampshade is completely
protected from damage during shipping and handling. The protection
has generally required a rigid outer container sized to enclose the
lampshade and an inner thin plastic bag or cover to protect the
surface of the lampshade from contact damage. While often of large
volume, the lampshade is often extremely light. Thus, there would
be a great reduction packaging, in shipping costs and warehousing
costs and space requirements if the lampshades were capable of
being reduced in size for packaging and shipping purposes and
expanded back to a display size when either on display in a retail
store or in an ultimate consumer's possession for installation on a
lighting fixture.
Another type of lampshades which have existed are soft material
lampshades which are designed to fold essentially flat and then
expand for use. An example of this type is an oriental paper
lampshade which is adapted to flatten or expand freely. Generally,
but not always, these types of lampshades are formed with limited
or no supports to maintain the structure of the lampshade in its
expanded operational configuration. These lampshades do not
generally provide rigid surfaces which are often desirable for bulb
protection purposes.
There are also utility lights which are utilized by professional
tradesmen and home do-it-yourselfers, which can clip to a work
surface or a wall, door, hook, tree, car hood or other convenient
location to illuminate a car, workshop bench or workpiece either in
a fixed or movable location. For these purposes there is a need for
the lampshade to serve several purposes. The lampshade must act as
a support for the light fixture, which is generally little more
than a light bulb socket or the like. The lampshade must also act
as a reflector to focus, direct and intensify the light from the
bulb in the indicated direction. In addition, the lampshade must
also be sufficiently rigid and sturdy to protect the bulb from
damage if the lamp falls or is hit inadvertently in the course of
its use.
To meet the above three requirements, utility lights which are
clamped to a desired location have been formed of a metal (often
aluminum due to its relatively light weight) in a generally conical
shape, with the vertex of the cone having an opening which contains
a light fixture, the bulb being supported within the volume of the
opened cone so that the interior surface of the cone protects the
light bulb and acts as a reflector of the light emitted by the
light bulb. This construction, in which a clamp is generally added
to the exterior of the cone to act as a support for the lampshade,
allows connection to a wide variety of surfaces. However, these
lampshades are essentially completely rigid without any possibility
of compression for shipping purposes. This results in the lamps,
which generally include a light socket, generally with a switch of
some sort and power cord and a shade member. Packaging of a lamp,
either in kit form with the parts unassembled or as a finished
construction, is difficult because of the bulkiness of the
lampshade portion of the lamp. The packaging must fit the finished
size of the lampshade, which is generally the largest component.
This means increased packaging and shipping cost for the
manufacturer, which must pay more for the packaging and shipping
and handling charges. A wholesaler must also spend more to store
the large packaging and increased costs in connection with shipping
to its customers. The retail store must use more of its valuable
shelf space to display fewer of the lampshades and more of the in
store storage area is used. Finally, the retail customer must carry
a bulkier package.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved portable lamp fixture
with a rigid lampshade which can be packaged and shipped in a
reduced volume configuration which can be expanded to its full
volume configuration and which will retain the configuration it is
in unless deliberate force is applied to the lampshade.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is generally directed to a plastic clamp light in
which the lamp shade is formed from a hard, light-reflective
plastic material. The lamp shade is formed generally in the shape
of a frustumated cone with the narrower end sized to receive a
light bulb socket and extending outwardly with a circular cross
section to a broad, rolled back rim. The shade includes three basic
sections. The first is the small diameter bulb supporting portion
of the reflector shade. Next is an accordion folded and slit
containing intermediate section which bends as the shade is moved
from its expanded position to its compressed position. The third
portion is an outer annular section extending outwardly beyond the
intermediate section and terminating in a rolled rim. Both the
first and the third sections are formed as solid, smooth, ridged
frusto-conical sections.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved
lampshade which is shippable in a reduced volume configuration and
then expandable to an operative, increased volume
configuration.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved
lampshade which is capable of folding in an intermediate section,
between a rigid outer rim and a rigid inner rim upon deliberate
application of force to the lampshade.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved
lampshade which is capable of folding in an intermediate section,
between a rigid outer rim and a rigid inner rim upon deliberate
application of force to the lampshade and to unfold the
intermediate section upon a different deliberate application of
force to the lampshade.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved
rigid lampshade selectively movable between a first, operational
configuration and a second, reduced size configuration suitable for
packaging, storage and shipping.
Yet still a further object of the invention is to provide an
improved lamp assembly including a light socket with attached power
cord and lampshade which is designed to act as a reflector and bulb
protector in its operational state and which may be selectively
converted from its operational state to a second state which
occupies less space and back again to the operational state.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved rigid
lampshade in a frusto-conical form which includes rigid inner and
outer rim portions and an intermediate frusto-conical section which
is compressible from a first, expanded state to a second, folded
state and vice versa upon selective and deliberate application of
force to the lampshade.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be
obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification.
The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,
combinations of elements and arrangements of parts which will be
exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the
scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to
the following descriptions taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lampshade constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in an
operational state;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lampshade of FIG. 1 in its
compressed, packaging state;
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the lampshade of FIG. 1 in
its operational state;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the lampshade of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lamp constructed in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention incorporating the
lampshade of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lamp constructed in accordance
with another preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference is first made to FIG. 1 wherein a lampshade, generally
indicated as 100, constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention is depicted. Lampshade 100 includes a
first inner frusto-conical section 110 and intermediate
frusto-conical section 120 and an outer frusto-conical section 130.
Inner section 110 includes a central opening 111 which is sized to
receive a standard bulb socket assembly as shown in FIG. 5. The
inside of inner frusto-conical section 110 about opening 111 has a
series of protruding ribs (not shown) which are used to align and
lock a light bulb socket assembly in place. In addition, there are
a series of three lateral openings 112, one of which is shown in
FIG. 1. These openings can be used either as a means for allowing
heat to escape from the lampshade or as a means for attaching the
socket assembly to the lampshade. The inner frusto-conical member
is a rigidly formed member formed, as are the other sections, of a
shiny hard plastic material, such as molded polypropylene. In the
preferred embodiment the material used is polypropylene UL 94 HB,
having a nominal thickness of between 1 and 10 millimeters, more
preferably 2 and 5 millimeters and even more preferably 2.5
millimeters. The plastic is also generally polished to provide a
reflective surface, at least on the interior of the lampshade 100.
Inner core member 110 also has a rim section 113 around central
opening 111 which provides a stable base for the attachment of the
bulb socket. In a preferred embodiment, the interior of member 110
may be threaded to securely hold a light socket assembly.
Intermediate section 120 is formed with ribbing in a radial manner.
In a preferred embodiment there are a series of five ridges 127
which extend at regular intervals between the top rim 121 and the
bottom rim 122 of intermediate frusto-conical member 120. These
rings are undulations on the outer surface intermediate section
120. The inner surface is generally smooth and without ridges. The
effect is to create an arrangement in which there are variations in
thickness of the section 120. In the section of the peaks, or
ridges 127, the thickness is increased and in the valleys the
thickness is reduced. In another preferred embodiment the inner
surface would have a similar curvature as does the outer surface,
such that a constant thickness of intermediate section 120 would be
present. In a preferred embodiment this may be equal to 0.5
millimeters. However, it may also be established that values up to
2.5 or 3 millimeters in thickness is indicated. In addition to the
ridges, there are a series of radially oriented long grooves 124
and shorter grooves 125. In a preferred embodiment, there are 8
long groves 124 about the circumference of
intermediate section 120 and 8 short grooves 125 which alternate
around the wall of intermediate section 120. The long grooves 124
extend from inner rim 121 to outer rim 122 of intermediate section
120. The shorter grooves 125 extend from outer rim 122 only a
portion of the way to inner rim 121. In a preferred embodiment
these shorter grooves 125 extend approximately two thirds of the
way from outer rim 122 to inner rim 121. A pair of adjoining long
grooves 124 with a short groove 125 therebetween defines a
generally inverted V-shaped section 128. There are 8 of these
generally V-shaped sections 128 around the circumference of
intermediate section 120. Again, the inner surface of intermediate
section 120 is generally polished so as to provide a shiny,
reflective surface for the lampshade. Intermediate section 120 is
generally formed or molded together with inner cone section 110 and
outer cone section 130 out of a rigid plastic such as
polypropylene.
Outer cone section 130 includes a smooth central band portion 131
and a rolled rim portion 132. In a preferred embodiment at least
the interior of central band portion 131 is polished. Outer rim 132
is formed in a rolled over fashion to provide additional structural
rigidity to this section so that, even under application of
substantial force, it will not deform. This is important to the
protective function of lampshade 120.
Upon application of a compressive force applied to the top of inner
cone section 110 and the bottom of outer cone section 130,
intermediate section 120 folds inwardly to the position shown in
FIG. 2. In this position, as better shown in FIG. 4, the height of
lampshade 100 is effectively reduced to almost one half of its
original height. The folding occurs by the movement of inverted
V-shaped sections 128 bending downwardly with rotation about upper
rim 121 and lower rim 122. With the combination of longer cuts 124
and shorter cuts 125 a defined folding structure is created which
allows the rigid material of intermediate section 120 to deform and
in a stable fashion be retained in the reduced size configuration
of FIGS. 2 and 4. Depending upon the width of long slits 124, the
V-shaped sections 128 can either freely move between the
operational position shown in FIG. 1 and the packaging or storage
position of FIG. 2, or, with narrow openings, provide an interlaced
arrangement in which adjacent V-shaped sections 128 overlap. This
overlap feature provides a positive lock on the lampshade so that
it does not revert to the operational configuration shown in FIGS.
1 and 3.
In addition, a series of ridges 133 are placed around the bottom of
section 130. Ridges 133 have the effect of spacing the bulb (not
shown) placed in lampshade 100 further from a surface on which
section 130 could rest. This keeps the intense heat of the bulb
from burning a surface on which it rests. It also provides an
airway between section 130 and a surface that it rests on to allow
dissipation of heat.
In a preferred embodiment the lampshade 100 in the shipping or
packaging configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 can be attached to a
conventional clamp and socket arrangement, generally indicated as
180, shown in FIG. 5 and then placed conveniently for packaging in
a box. When folded down and fully assembled with a clamp assembly,
the unit can be packed in a presentable square or rectangular gift
box which conserves at least one third of the shipping space which
would be required if the lampshade 100 did not compress into the
packaging configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
By a simple application of a reversed force to the inside of inner
rim 121 and compressive force on the outer rim 122 or applying
force on the rounded rim 132, the lampshade 100 will return to the
configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, with the V-shaped sections
128 again rotating back to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 for
operational use of the lampshade and light fixture. The force
required is dependant upon the thickness of the walls of the
lampshade 100 and, in particular, intermediate section 120, and the
width of the long and short slits 124, 125.
Reference is next made to FIG. 5 in which a complete clamp lamp
assembly 200, generally constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention is depicted. The assembly 200 includes
a lampshade 100 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
invention described above. A clamp and socket arrangement 180 is
shown. The clamp and socket assembly 180 includes a clamp portion
181, including spring portion 182, clamping members 183, socket
coupling section 184, light bulb socket 185, switch 186 and a power
cord, not shown. Of course, it is possible for the lamp to be
formed as a battery operated apparatus although generally, this is
not indicated.
The lampshade 100 is shown in its operational state with
intermediate section 120 in its extended state or configuration and
providing a generally frusto-conical reflective surface on the
interior surface of lampshade 100. A light bulb (not shown) is
screwed into the portion of socket 185 which extends to inner
conical section 110 so that the light from the bulb (not shown) is
projected out of the open end of outer conical section 130 in the
direction desired by the user. The long and short slits 124, 125
serve several functions in the operational stage. First they allow
heat built up by the light bulb to be conveniently removed from the
interior of the lampshade. They also act as a shock absorbing
feature in the event that the lamp assembly 200 falls with a light
bulb in it. The rigid sections 110 and 130 of the lampshade are
cushioned to some extent by the flexible intermediate section 120.
Of course, these openings also allow a certain amount of light to
escape from within lampshade 100 so that the area in which the lamp
200 is fixed is also, to some limited extent, lit.
The ability to compress the lampshade 100 from its operational,
fully expanded shape as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, to the
compressed, packaging or shipping configuration shown in FIGS. 2
and 4 is of substantial commercial and functional importance. By
reducing the volume of the lampshade it can be more easily shipped,
stored and packaged without affecting the operational effectiveness
of the lampshade. In addition, the arrangement of the ribs and the
long and short cuts 124, 125, together with inner and outer rims
121, 122 establish two distinct stable states or configurations for
lampshade 100. The lampshade will not move on its own from one
configuration or state to the other without the deliberate
application of force to the lampshade.
Reference is next made to FIG. 6 wherein a lampshade 300
constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention is depicted, like elements being represented by like
reference numerals. The embodiment of FIG. 6 varies from that of
FIG. 1 by virtue of the expanded slots 312 in first section 110.
Expanded slots 312 vent substantially more of the heat of a light
bulb placed in lampshade 300 which allows the lamp to function more
safely as heat does not build up in the lampshade as greatly. This
is particularly important if the lamp is rested on a flat surface
while the light bulb is on (a contraindicated but common situation
in use). There are in a preferred embodiment six slots 312, rather
than the three slots 112 in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Alternative
numbers and sizes of slots 312 may be used depending on design
requirements, such as the size, wattage and shape of the bulb to be
used in the lampshade.
Accordingly an improved lampshade and lamp assembly which can
convert from a fully extended operational configuration to a
reduced volume packing, shipping and storing configuration with
reversible and deliberate application of force to the lampshade is
provided.
Accordingly, it will thus be seen that the objects set forth above,
among those made apparent from the preceding description are
efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the
above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention, it is intended that all of the matter contained in
the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall
be interpreted as illustrative, and not as limiting.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended
to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention,
herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention
which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
* * * * *